The first step in protecting your brand identification as a business owner in Wisconsin is to register a trademark. A trademark is a design, word, or expression that sets your goods or services apart from those of competitors. Through the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions (DFI) and the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), trademarks are registered in Wisconsin. A step-by-step tutorial for registering a trademark in Wisconsin is provided below.
To make sure your selected mark is distinctive and not being used by another company, conduct a trademark search before registering your mark. Using the USPTO’s Trademark Electronic Search System (TESS), you can look up existing trademarks, or you can hire a trademark lawyer to conduct a more complete search.
Step 2: Submit an Application for a Wisconsin Trademark You can submit your Wisconsin trademark application with the DFI following a trademark search. Your mark must be described in the application, together with the products or services it stands for, and a filing fee. Your application can be submitted by mail or online through the DFI website.
The DFI will examine your trademark application when it has been submitted. You will be informed and given the chance to remedy any problems with your application, such as a conflicting trademark or missing information. A certificate of registration will be given to you if your application is accepted.
For national protection, you should additionally register your trademark with the USPTO in addition to the DFI, which offers state-level protection. Your USPTO trademark application can be submitted online or by mail. Your mark must be described in the application, together with the products or services it stands for, and a filing fee.
Although it is feasible to register a trademark on your own, working with a trademark lawyer is advised to make sure that your application is full and in-depth. Additionally, a lawyer can conduct a more thorough trademark search to make sure that the chosen mark is original and not in use already. How Much Does a DBA in Wisconsin Cost?
In Wisconsin, a DBA (Doing Business As) is registered at the county level, and there are different fees for each county. The cost often ranges from $10 to $30. How Do You Register a Business Name as a Trademark?
The same procedures as for trademark registration must be followed in order to trademark a business name. Perform a trademark search, submit your application to the DFI, await approval, then register your mark with the USPTO to gain protection across the country. It’s also crucial to remember that if a company name is too generic or descriptive, it might not always qualify for trademark protection.
The cheapest technique to trademark is not covered in the article “How to Register a Trademark in Wisconsin: A Step-by-Step Guide”. The cost of trademark registration can vary based on a number of variables, including the type of brand, the number of classes the trademark will be registered under, and whether you want to complete the application on your own or with the help of a trademark attorney. It is advised to speak with a trademark lawyer or make use of a respected internet trademark agency to make sure the registration procedure is carried out properly.
Unfortunately, there is no free way to trademark a name. Depending on the sort of trademark application you submit and the number of classes of products or services your trademark will cover, there are expenses involved in the trademark registration procedure. However, there are a few online tools and resources that can assist you with the trademark registration procedure. You can also speak with a lawyer that focuses on trademark law to learn more about the procedure and the costs involved.